Harold Leroy Mohney, 94 of McCleary, Washington, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021.

Harold was born in McCleary on Dec. 22, 1926. He was preceded in death by his parents Roy Mohney and Delores Hall, brothers Kenneth Mohney and Danny Hall, and wife Eleanore Mohney.

Harold was a local boy, born, raised and lived a full life in his hometown of McCleary. Up until the age of 14, he attended schools in Summit, McCleary and Elma, then moved to Bremerton where he attended high school.

In October 1944, at the age of 17, he enlisted in the Navy. He served during World War II on the USS Ticonderoga aircraft carrier (CV 14) as Seaman First Class in the 8th division, on lookout and 20 MM gunners. Most of his tour up until the end of the war was spent in the South Pacific, then he spent a brief time in Hawaii prior to being honorably discharged July 15, 1946. During his time of service, there was a situation when the ship’s radar equipment did not identify an enemy ship, and Harold on lookout saw the ship, alerted his superiors and they were able to prevent an attack on the Big “T.” For this he received commendation.

After returning home from the service, he decided to invest his GI funds on fulfilling his dream of learning how to fly the skies by getting his pilot license. While living at the family farmhouse, he was introduced by his cousin to his future wife, Eleanore Mageli, whom he married on Sept. 3, 1948, and was married for 65 years, all of which they lived in the town of McCleary. Early in their marriage they started a family and he set aside his pilot wings to support their life by working at the Simpson mill, then some time at the Olympia Brewery and finally for the State of Washington, Capital Buildings and Grounds, until his retirement in December 1986.

Harold was loved and respected by many family, friends and local community members. He was a skilled carpenter and general handyman, building at least two homes and helping others in countless ways with their construction and home improvement projects. He was a quiet-spoken man, with a kind, caring and gentle spirit. He was adventurous as well, traveling with his wife to many U.S. destinations with trailer in tow. As many knew, he was not an idle man; usually you would find him out on his property or at the cabin on Lost Lake, maintaining the grounds to keep everything groomed, well-maintained and in its proper place.

Harold is survived by his two children: Gail (Wayne) Hughes and Ron (Cheryl) Mohney all of Rochester, Washington. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren: Kristi Hughes (Jim Bui), Joe (Liz) Mohney, Pamela (Dane) Johnson, Ron (Elizabeth) Mohney and Stephanie (Kenny) Carlson, and 8 great-grandchildren.

A private graveside service with honors will be held on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021 at 1 p.m. at the McCleary Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the Humane Society or the Veterans Memorial Museum, Chehalis.

Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, WA.